Only 7 pointsa in it now and level on games!

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Originally Posted by Luis Anaconda

I think someone tried this a few years ago and Uefa/Fifa blocked it. I suppose it may be different with the US as it close season but I think the FA would also be unhappy if they tried it. Michael Oliver would probably send him off on the plane over

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What is the Diarra ruling? Isn't it something that makes this legal - technically. I think City signed someone from Villareal (or at least Spain) this window after they terminated their own contract?

I see Arteta said the club is exploring every option. If someone like a Liam Delap decided to buy their way out of their own contract and leave themselves a free agent - surely we could sign them as such.

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Originally Posted by Rich

What is the Diarra ruling? Isn't it something that makes this legal - technically. I think City signed someone from Villareal (or at least Spain) this window after they terminated their own contract?

I see Arteta said the club is exploring every option. If someone like a Liam Delap decided to buy their way out of their own contract and leave themselves a free agent - surely we could sign them as such.

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I really don't know, r. I suspect that any effort to do that might result in a legal challenge from the governing bodies so nothing could happen quickly - and it would be impossible to register the player

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Originally Posted by Luis Anaconda

Gunnerzookie?

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Oh, very good.

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Originally Posted by Rich

What is the Diarra ruling? Isn't it something that makes this legal - technically. I think City signed someone from Villareal (or at least Spain) this window after they terminated their own contract?

I see Arteta said the club is exploring every option. If someone like a Liam Delap decided to buy their way out of their own contract and leave themselves a free agent - surely we could sign them as such.

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I wonder if that Obi Martin kid, who left for United, is looking over his shoulder now that fate has lent a hand.

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Originally Posted by 7sisters

I wonder if that Obi Martin kid, who left for United, is looking over his shoulder now that fate has lent a hand.

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Was thinking exactly the same thing - though from what I have read about him time at United so far suggests that once he had played game where he wasn't much bigger than all the other players he has struggled

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Originally Posted by Luis Anaconda

Was thinking exactly the same thing - though from what I have read about him time at United so far suggests that once he had played game where he wasn't much bigger than all the other players he has struggled

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It?s often the case with these teen lumps. I?m sure many of us can recall the fourteen year old brick shyte house we had to play against in our youth. Bagged loads of goals, defenders bounced off of them. Bigger, faster, stronger. On the books of a pro club, and then the other kids caught up.
Clubs couldn?t wait to scout them though. Makes you admire those smaller, but probably more gifted kids who stuck at it and made it through.

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Originally Posted by Luis Anaconda

Was thinking exactly the same thing - though from what I have read about him time at United so far suggests that once he had played game where he wasn't much bigger than all the other players he has struggled

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When did we start to make changes to the academy? Used to be pretty slim pickings in terms of talent developed there. Jack Wilshere being the obvious exception.

But in recent times we have Saka, ESR, Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly. And it seems Dowman is likely to be one for next season.

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Originally Posted by 7sisters

It?s often the case with these teen lumps. I?m sure many of us can recall the fourteen year old brick shyte house we had to play against in our youth. Bagged loads of goals, defenders bounced off of them. Bigger, faster, stronger. On the books of a pro club, and then the other kids caught up.
Clubs couldn?t wait to scout them though. Makes you admire those smaller, but probably more gifted kids who stuck at it and made it through.

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Yeah - remember playing against some bloke called Craig who had a moustache at the age of 14 and basically ran all over us

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Originally Posted by Rich

When did we start to make changes to the academy? Used to be pretty slim pickings in terms of talent developed there. Jack Wilshere being the obvious exception.

But in recent times we have Saka, ESR, Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly. And it seems Dowman is likely to be one for next season.

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Unpopular opinion but it was the first thing the Kroenkes looked at as they closed in on getting full power. Much of the early money was sunk into the youth system. Element of luck/timing as well I would say but who knows

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Originally Posted by Luis Anaconda

Unpopular opinion but it was the first thing the Kroenkes looked at as they closed in on getting full power. Much of the early money was sunk into the youth system. Element of luck/timing as well I would say but who knows

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I think they're decent owners who have always made capital available when needed. It's maybe the DOF that hasn't got the deals in forward areas done that should have been done.

Anyway - the youth system seems to be working well. And the talent that doesn't reach Saka, MLS, Nwaneri levels gets sold off. Over 100milion for Nketiah, ESR and Balogun is testament to that.